Turgeon a no-show at Reed Arena so far today

COLLEGE STATION — Here’s the latest from Reed Arena, where I’ve spent this morning: Coach Mark Turgeon isn’t here. And those who are say they have no idea where he is.

What everyone agrees upon is that Turgeon took a short family vacation – word here is that was to Pennsylvania – this past weekend, and was scheduled to arrive late Sunday night. Multiple insiders here at Reed expected him here this morning, but he hasn’t shown.

Turgeon, who’s taken the Aggies to four consecutive NCAA tournaments, is a leading candidate for the Maryland job, according to multiple people here and in media reports out of the East Coast. Longtime Terrapins coach Gary Williams abruptly retired last week, paving the way for a rare May basketball hire at a hoops-rich university.

A&M athletic director Bill Byrne told me through a spokesman this morning that he and Turgeon would not address any rumors. Should Turgeon bolt for Maryland, expect for former A&M assistant and native Texan Buzz Williams of Marquette to earn a long look for starters.

A year ago Oregon courted Turgeon before he received a contract extension and raise that placed his annual salary at nearly $2 million.

3 Responses

I hope Mark decides to stay but Buzz Williams sure looks like a good fit if Turgeon moves on. Will Buzz come home to Texas A&M if we need him? He looks like a Gillespie type coach without the enormous baggage.